Under the deal, DHL and QSL will manage the supply and distribution of food products packaging and consumables for around 850 restaurants across the UK.

DHL will manage the physical warehouse and distribution service.

The firm will primarily focus on decreasing logistics-related emissions to net zero over the life of the contract and optimized delivery scheduling to offer a faster turnaround of orders.

In addition, DHL will concentrate on integrity of food during transportation, allowing to offer fresher products to the consumers.

With the support of IT solutions, QSL will offer planning and stock management services to the KFC restaurants.

The firm will also manage operational purchasing for KFC, apart from handling accounting for its operations.

KFC supply chain director Jens Hentschel said: "To date there has been little variation in foodservice logistics but we have specifically chosen DHL and QSL for their reputation for innovation in logistics across other industries.”

DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland retail managing director John Boulter said: "We intend to re-write the rule book and create a stock management, distribution and reverse logistics model based on best practice from a range of sectors including foodservice logistics.

“This model will support KFC in its ambition to be market-leading in all that it does, while improving service levels to its restaurants and customers."

Image: DHL and QSL will manage supply and distribution of KFC food products in the UK. Photo: courtesy of Deutsche Post AG.